I give up

[princesssookie69]

My husband went to the doctors today (we both have the same primary), and asked it my test results came back (he has written authority to discuss my case with my doctor). The results just came back (faxed to doctor) and my husband told me the doctor said they were normal. Not sure what normal means on an antibody test. Negative I assume? The doctor said to my husband he was going to talk to his endroconologist friend at dinner tonight (the one he has been consulting with) and go over everything with him. He also asked the endo if prednisone can affect my results for the antibody test and the doctor had told him no. I am currently weening off of prednisone and was at my Crohn's appointment today and the PA made note that my thyroid was swollen. I give up. I guess my symptoms, that are now coming back by weening off of prednisone are my imagination. The doctor told him he'd call me after he talks to the endo to discuss it further, but maybe I have a goiter that comes and goes.  I won't be taken seriously now. Frustrated and depressed.

[stella5349]

First your doctor needs to look over the side effects list on the predisone. There are problems taking this with the thyroid and they should get their facts together. This is a very powerful steriod and ALL steriods effect thyroid /hormone function.

Geez... this so get to me when these doctors can see past their own egos.

here is a site to view:

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/prednisone/a/steroideffects.htm

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/infectiousdiseases/Subacute-thyroiditis.htm

http://arthritis.about.com/od/steroids/Corticosteroids_Dosage_Side_Effects_Interactions_Warnings.htm

It totally sounds like subacute thyroiditis happening here.

Those reference ranges are way outdated too. Your physician needs to know the AACE has changed those ranges to .3-3.0. I hope his endo friend clears that up too.

You need to take control here and get all the facts together- then approach your doctor and get proper treatment. It sounds you may be a bit overwhelmed and not understand the thyroid stuff  - so you may need to get involved a little more here and not let the doctors tell you normal is normal when you know you don't feel normal.

Hats off to your husband help trying to help you - a good support group is great. You together can build a great team here and learn together what's going on. This way you both understand the situation and can - in so many words- do a little tag teaming when things become uncertain for you.

[Rite760]

Please keep going and don't give up. I've struggled for so long trying to get docs to take me seriously. My TSH has been high at 4.6 and then low now at 1 in the space of a month. And I feel terrible. I had given up trying, but these guys on here believed in me and helped me to fight back. And finally the doc has told me today that even if tests are within normal range if there are dramatic changes like this in  a short time there is something wrong. Which is what all the guys on here have been telling me and they were right. I'm getting antibodies too tomorrow, and even if they are normal I will still keep on fighting because I know my thyroid is the problem. Keep fighting until they listen like I was told to do. It's taken ages, but I'm finally there.

[princesssookie69]

I spoke to my gastro yesterday (prior to getting the results from my primary and she looked through previous blood test results) and even though they were always within the "normal range" the ranges from one test to another were ridiculous. My one test the norm being .50-5.00 which ever one that is (I don't remember), was .68. The other one was high. I am calling my gastro this morning to have her fax this information to my primary (he's my new primary, not sure what records he has received), so he has them. After that it's up to him and the endo. I just feel defeated. I also know tests can be wrong. It's a matter of whether or not I have the energy to pursue it. I've been down this diagnostic road before with my other illnesses and it takes its toll. I appreciate everyones support and input. It has been much appreciated.

[Christy1950]

It is hard to keep up with different tests, symptoms and results so to make sure that you are on top of everything always get copies of all your test and keep a diary with all the symptoms and test with results. It is a bit like a mystery as you will start to unraval what it is and is not so it is important to keep everything written down. Doctors only see you as one of their thousands of patients and you will have to keep your own history to keep them on the right track and so you can be very precise with your record keeping including symptoms and times as they cannot read your mind and you are probably inundated with different symptoms that they become blurred. Most important of all is to do your own research and keep the advise offered by those that have been there before at hand so that you can discuss fully your symptoms and any possible treatment with your doctor. I wish you all the best with your search for results

[TDCRose]

It is very common for people who have Crohns disease also to have Hashimotos.  They are both autoimmune diseases.  My Mother in Law has both and is being treated by her rheumotoligist for both.  I don't think her rheumo is aggressive enough with the thyroid-TSH up over 3  and FT's in the basement of normal-after having partial TT for nodules.  Her remaining half is now acting up.  Get your lab results and make and appt. with an endo who specializes in thyroids-he/she should know about the crohns/hashi connection.

[AR-10]

There is more than one antibody test.

Normal would be negative, which is good.

But you could have a TPOab that is negative and a TGab that is positive, or vice versa.

If only one antibody test was run, the Endo should suggest running a few more tests.

I don't think you will be written off, so don't give up. It sounds like your doctor is concerned and looking for answers.